Christies Bakery Hepatitis A Outbreak

The Challenge: A Community Outbreak

A Hepatitis A outbreak was traced to Christies Bakery, affecting customers who had consumed contaminated products. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that causes symptoms including jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and fever. In most cases symptoms resolve within a few weeks, but the illness can be debilitating and time off work is often required.

The Legal Basis

Customers who contracted Hepatitis A as a result of consuming contaminated food products from a business are entitled to claim compensation for their illness and suffering. Claims can be brought under food safety legislation and in negligence. The business has a duty of care to ensure food products are safe for consumption.

The Process: How the Claims Were Brought

Scottish Claims Helpline acted quickly following news of the outbreak, identifying and registering affected customers and referring them to Lanarkshire Accident Law. Speed was important — customers needed to be registered while the outbreak was being investigated and evidence was fresh.

The Outcome

Affected customers received settlements of approximately £2,500 each in compensation for their illness, suffering, and any lost earnings or expenses incurred as a result of contracting Hepatitis A. Claims were resolved through negotiation without the need for court proceedings.

Timeline

• Spring 2017
  A Hepatitis A outbreak spreads through the Monklands area of North Lanarkshire. More than 60 cases are confirmed and a number of people are hospitalised.
• May 2017
  JB Christie’s bakery in Airdrie voluntarily closes for a weekend to allow an Environmental Health investigation, and is subsequently cleared to reopen.
• 2017
  Scottish Claims Helpline registers affected customers while the outbreak is being investigated and evidence is fresh, and refers them to Lanarkshire Accident Law.
• 2017–2020
  The claims are pursued while the source of the outbreak is investigated. The bakery is found to be responsible for the transmission of Hepatitis A to its customers.
• 2020
  Around three years after the outbreak, the bakery’s insurers settle the claims by negotiation without court proceedings. Affected customers receive approximately £2,500 each for illness, suffering and any lost earnings or expenses.